Trust, TukTuks and Nabeez – A Travel Memory from Aswan

Today, I’m simply sharing a memory.
No fixed plan. No chronology. Just like life sometimes brings them back – between images, feelings, and your own rhythm while being on the road.

Back then, I was in Egypt. My destination: Sudan.
The route was clear: from Hurghada to Aswan, then on toward the border.
Aswan was part of the plan, not a random stop along the way. I had already spent a month there, met wonderful people – and wanted to say goodbye consciously before moving on.

But life had other ideas.
Nigeria came in between. And with Nigeria came a new direction – back to Cairo, heading north instead of south as planned.
But before making that turn, I wanted to spend one last moment in Aswan.

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Night at the Bus Station in Hurghada

From Hurghada, I planned to return to Aswan.
The bus was delayed – several hours due to a breakdown. So I spent the night at the bus station. And it was:
pleasant.

No chaos, no stress.
I chatted with other travelers, people came and went. Everyone had their own story. Some stayed just for a smile, others shared whole life paths in just a few sentences.
Sometimes waiting is not stagnation – but connection. 

Pause and Kindness – Iftar at the Bus Station

Shortly before sunset, still sitting at the bus station in Hurghada, I experienced a moment that stayed with me deeply:
Two dates and a dark, sweet drink in a plastic bag were placed into my hands – just like that, by a kind woman preparing for Iftar.
It was Ramadan, and the gesture was silent and meaningful.
I didn’t know exactly what I was drinking – maybe it was tamarind juice or kharoub, as it’s known in Egypt.
But in that moment, it didn’t matter.
It was a sip of humanity – warm, sweet, and filled with the feeling:
**You are welcome, even if you’re a stranger.**

On Foot – and a TukTuk That Wouldn’t Give Up

Once I arrived in Aswan, my accommodation was only about two kilometers from a close friend’s home.
So, as usual, I decided to walk. It was Ramadan, the sun was blazing, the streets were quiet.

Part of the way led through a somewhat remote area, on the edge of the desert.
Sand, stones, trash – and suddenly: a TukTuk driver stopped me.
He spoke barely any English but gestured strongly that I shouldn’t go any further.

I smiled politely. Thought: “He probably just wants to sell me a ride.”
And kept walking. But he was persistent. Called after me, waved, didn’t give up.

Eventually, I became curious and climbed down a small, slippery slope to him – through sand, debris, and a smell I’d rather not describe.
He said the area was too dangerous and wanted to take me.
I declined. Made it clear: “I have no money on me.”
He said: “No problem.”

A few minutes later – I was already walking again – he returned. This time I got in.
Something inside me said: “Trust him.”

Two Phones, One Translator, and a Lot of Confusion

Shortly after, he picked up a student who was supposed to translate.
But her English was limited – so she called her sister.
Phone number 1 went around. Then I called my friend.
Phone number 2 followed. It was a kind of mobile conference ride, between markets, neighborhoods, and TukTuk bumps.

At some point, it became too much for her.
She shouted – we were nowhere near her destination.
She got out, visibly frustrated. I understood. Even I was a little overwhelmed by Egypt’s travel chaos.

But the driver continued – with me. And eventually brought me to my destination.
With a decent detour.

As my friend later explained, the original path I tried to walk is avoided by all TukTuk drivers.
“No one goes there,” he said.
Well. Once again, I was right in the middle of it all.

Iftar with Nabeez – and the Feeling of Home in the Distance

In the evening, we sat together for Iftar.
Iftar in Aswan is simple, honest, and full of heart.
There were dates, bread, vegetables – and something I’d never seen before:

A clear glass with bread cubes inside.
Nabeez, they explained. A fermented, traditional drink from Nubian culture.
It tasted sweet, slightly sour, earthy – and somehow like trust.
I knew: this moment would stay.

The Way Back – and a Road Without Rules

Later, I filmed a short clip.
I recorded how I crossed a typical Egyptian main road –
without traffic lights, crosswalks, with honking cars on both sides.
You just step out – and hope they stop.
A dance between courage and madness.

My accommodation was simple, clean – and: the shower had running water.
A detail you only truly appreciate after being on the road for a long time.

Conclusion

I wasn’t where I had originally planned to go. But I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Travel is not a schedule. Not a polished Instagram shot.
It’s chaos, trust, wonder, detours.
It’s a TukTuk driver who doesn’t give up.
A young woman stepping out.
A glass of Nabeez at Iftar.
And the realization: Some stories are not written by the mind, but by the heart.